Note from Audra: I didn’t think Danielle would be able to give us a Travel Tuesday since she is currently in FRANCE! However she told me this morning she’s on the high speed train from the French Riviera to Paris with great WiFi so knocked it out! I’ve had so much fun following her on Instagram with her daily updates/beautiful photos from France this week. You should follow the PlanIt Travel Designs Instagram and pretend you are there with her…that’s what I’m doing 🙂
by Danielle Garrett of PlanIt Travel Designs for The Aha! Connection
As of last week, Italy dropped several of their cumbersome requirements to enter their country. Previously, the only way for travelers to avoid quarantining was to book a “Covid Tested Flight”, which required you to test 72 hours before departure, then a Rapid Test at your departure airport before boarding and another Rapid test at the Italian airport upon arrival. It did not matter if you were vaccinated, these were the rules for everyone. Click here for more detailed information.
Now their rules are like France and Spain. For Italy, if you are vaccinated you only need to present your CDC-issued vaccine card (vaccination must be completed at least 14 days before departure) and fill out a Passenger Locator Form. If not vaccinated, a negative antigen/PCR/or molecular Covid test must be taken within 48 hours of arrival OR a certificate of recovery from Covid dated no more than six months before arrival.
Just last week I experienced this process myself with an impromptu trip to France. I am currently writing this on a train northbound to Paris after spending five days in Provence and the French Riviera. I was pleasantly surprised with the easy entry process. Next week, I will devote Travel Tuesday to my France experience, but the bottom line is it is SUPER EASY, especially if you are vaccinated!
If you are wondering about EU mask rules…they are a couple of months behind the U.S. You are generally required to wear your mask indoors, but not while sitting at a restaurant. You do not have to wear a mask outdoors, but it is recommended in crowded areas. I would not be surprised by Fall if they drop the mask mandate for vaccinated people, like the U.S. I will share my experience/opinion on the mask wearing while in France further next week.
The only requirement still in place for all international trips is a negative Covid test required to re-enter the U.S. I am not certain when this will get dropped, but rules seem to be relaxing and changing every week. This of course continues to be an evolving situation, particularly given the rise in the Delta variant. Cross your fingers that situation continues to improve as vaccination numbers grow globally!
CURRENT FLIGHT PRICING: On Delta, non-stop between Atlanta-Rome in the main cabin, the lowest price is $1,063 in July and $1,263 in October. This pricing is quite good for Delta given how close we are to July-October.
Please remember to travel responsibly, wear your mask and do not travel unnecessarily if you are elderly or immune-compromised! And remember to check your destination’s travel restrictions/requirements before and during planning, as well as double-checking before departure!
Join the PlanIt Travel Designs Facebook Group and check out the website where you can sign up for our newsletter for more travel tips and tricks! Also, follow them on Instagram for beautiful photos!
